The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an update regarding calls to allow individuals under the state pension age to claim their state pension early. The DWP responded to a question from a Liberal Democrats MP in the House of Commons.
The query asked whether the DWP would "make an assessment of the potential merits of enabling people below the retirement age with a terminal diagnosis to claim their pension earlier."
Labour MP Torsten Bell replied: "The Department meets regularly with key stakeholders to understand the needs of people living with a terminal illness. Whilst it is the case that nobody can claim their State Pension before State Pension age, support is available through the Special Rules for End of Life."
These rules enable individuals nearing the end of their lives to gain faster, easier access to Personal Independence Payment, Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit, and Attendance Allowance. This access does not require a medical assessment, waiting periods, and in most cases, recipients receive the highest rate of benefit.
Currently, the state pension age is 66, and it is set to rise to 67 under a planned timetable. For those nearing the end of life due to a life-limiting illness, the Special Rules for End of Life may apply. Eligibility requires that the individual has an illness that worsens over time, or a doctor or medical professional has indicated they may have 12 months or less to live.
If a medical professional has not discussed life expectancy, individuals can still ask if their claim can be supported under the special rules. Medical professionals include GPs, consultants, specialty doctors, hospice doctors, and registered nurses such as Macmillan nurses.
